· Candidates in Canada and Australia show double-digit growth year-on-year.

This was a special year for the WSET. It won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade (see picture of WSET chief executive Ian Harris being presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace).

The trust expanded its international network with the addition of course providers in Lebanon, Belarus, Paraguay, Ukraine and Ecuador, bringing the number of countries where WSET qualifications are available to 66.

WSET chief executive Ian Harris said: “Another year of strong growth demonstrates the increasing demand for WSET qualifications globally and the numbers are testament to the quality and relevance of WSET courses and qualifications. Our business grows because individuals – as well as the global industry - recognise WSET as the benchmark for wine and spirit knowledge and seek out our programmes.

“It is especially pleasing to see sustained growth in established markets, alongside rapid growth in some of our emerging markets.

Having our business recognised with a Queen’s Award only reinforces our position as market leader – a position that we, with the support of our Corporate Patrons and growing network of course providers, are committed to continue building,” said Harris.